Description

Chicken Tomato Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty meal that combines tender chicken, ripe tomatoes, and fluffy rice for a warm and satisfying dish perfect for any cozy day. This nutritious soup is simple to prepare, customizable, and ideal for all seasons, offering soul-warming flavor with every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh diced tomatoes)

Grains

3/4 cup white or brown rice

Liquids

6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)

Herbs & Seasonings

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Others

2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for your soup.
Add Chicken: Stir in the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for approximately 5 minutes until they are no longer pink, locking in moisture without drying them out.
Pour in Liquids and Tomatoes: Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Add Rice and Herbs: Mix in the rice along with fresh herbs such as thyme and parsley. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the soup’s flavors.
Season and Serve: Adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, remove herb stems before serving. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Notes

Use homemade chicken broth if possible to enhance the depth of flavor.
Add rice later in cooking if you prefer it firmer, or cook fully for soft, infused rice grains.
Do not overcrowd the pot to allow gentle simmering and better melding of flavors.
Add fresh herbs in the last few minutes to preserve their bright flavor and vibrant color.
Let the soup rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Optional garnishes: fresh chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, sour cream, or drizzle of olive oil.
For a spicy twist, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Vegetarian version: omit chicken, use vegetable broth, and add mushrooms.
Grain alternatives include quinoa or orzo for varied texture and nutrition.
For a creamy option, stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream at the end.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: chicken soup, tomato rice soup, comfort food, hearty soup, gluten free soup, easy chicken soup, homemade soup